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Bull Terrier

English Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier<br /> Varkhond, Pig Dog

Family: CanidaePiglet - A Brindle & White English Bull TerrierCanis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Donna Nun4u

   Like many types of Terriers, the Border Terrier is extremely skilled at hunting small game!

   The Bull Terrier is a terrier breed developed in England in the 1800's. It was developed from crosses that included the New English Bulldog, the Spanish Pointer, and a couple of types of terriers, the English White Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier. The resulting breed was used as a fighter, and then later on as a guard dog, herder, and rat hunter. A half sized variation of this breed is the Miniature Bull Terrier.

   Today's English Bull Terrier is gentle, fun-loving and courageous. It needs lots of human companionship, and loves to give and receive affection. This breed makes a wonderful pet for active and attentive families. The Bull Terrier can be trained as a watchdog, but it tends to be non-aggressive toward humans unless its family is seriously threatened. Good socialization as a puppy is needed for it to get along with other pets.

   When selecting a Bull Terrier or Miniature Bull Terrier, a primary concern is deafness. This is most common in solid white dogs. Other problems to look for include skin allergies, slipped patella, and obsessive compulsive behavior such as tail chasing.

Common Name(s)    Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Varkhond, and Pig Dog

Breed Type    The Bull Terrier is a terrier breed with a quite distinctive look. Originally bred as a fighter, the Bull Terrier has become more suitable as a pet over the years. The Bull Terrier is best suited to warm climates.

Background    The Bull Terrier is an English breed. It was developed in the 1800s, originating with a cross between an English White Terrier and a New English Bulldog. Other breeds, including the Staffordshire Terrier and the Spanish Pointer, were subsequently added to the mix. The resulting breed was employed as a fighter, and later on as a guard dog, herder, and rat hunter. A variation of the breed is the Miniature Bull Terrier, which is about half the size of the Standard Bull Terrier.

Description    Bull Terriers have muscular bodies and distinctive egg-shaped heads. Their eyes are close-set, triangular, small and dark, and their ears are triangular and erect. The coat is short, dense and smooth, and comes in white, black, brindle, red, fawn and tri-color.
Standard Bull Terriers average 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 45 to 80 pounds. Miniature Bull Terriers are 10 to 14 inches tall and weigh 24 to 33 pounds.

Care and Feeding    Bull Terriers thrive on a diet that includes beef, wheat, potatoes, and cabbage. Supplementing with oils can help improve their coats. Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. As-needed combing and brushing are sufficient. Removing loose hair regularly with a grooming glove when shedding will help keep hair off of the carpet and furniture.
   Bull Terriers need yearly checkups to maintain good health. Vaccinations are due as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

   Bull Terriers shed twice a year. During this time, regular vacuuming of carpet and furniture is essential. This breed is prone to allergies, especially to insect bites, so keeping insects to a minimum is important.

Housing Your Dog    The Bull Terrier can be kept indoors in small spaces as long as it gets enough exercise. A small yard is sufficient to keep them happy. This breed prefers warm temperatures.

Social Behaviors    Bull Terriers are sociable with humans and do well with children as long as they are respectful. Males tend to be aggressive toward other males, but this can be minimized by having the dog neutered. Bull Terriers of the opposite sex get along well, and females can learn to live with one another peacefully if they are well socialized. Bull Terriers should not be trusted with non-canine pets.

Handling and Training    The Bull Terrier is a willful dog, and may be hard to train. Firmness is essential. Proper socialization is also a must if the dog is to get along with other pets.

Activities    Bull Terriers need plenty of exercise, but it is important not to overwork them when they are puppies. This could cause muscle strains. Adult dogs need long daily walks and play sessions. Older dogs also need exercise, but it should be done in several small sessions each day.

Breeding/Reproduction    Bull Terriers have an average of five puppies. When selecting a mate for your Bull Terrier, check bloodlines for slipped patella and deafness.

Common Health Problems    Male Bull Terriers may have too much testosterone, which could cause aggressive behavior. This can be remedied by neutering them. Other common problems are zinc deficiency, obsessive compulsive behavior, and slipped patella.

Availability    Bull Terriers are fairly easy to find in most areas. Prices are most often between $1,000 and $2,000.

References "Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Bull Terrier", Referenced online, 2008
"Bull Terrier Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008
"Bull Terrier", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008

Lastest Comments on Bull Terrier View all 23 comments on Bull Terrier Add Your Comment

Brianna - 2012-01-23 I want to get a bull terrier and a friend has one that's nine months old... I'm afraid that's too old ... What do you think ?? Will it be hard to train? Can I teach it a new name ? Could it be dangerous around kids?? Click For Replies (1) Charlie Roche - 2012-01-23 The benefit to nine months is you can see/hold/watch etc the pups personality. 9 months is pretty young and at least at that age, there should be bladder control. Is it housebroken? Bull Terriers are usually pretty stubborn, independent dogs that require a strong, consistent trainer. Can you teach it a new name - easily. Could it be dangerous around kids? Yes. Any animal can be dangerous but it seems the bull terrier has the leading reputation in this regard. Some dogs are much easier to have around children and are known to get along great with children. The bull terrier is not one of them. They require strong leadership, strong training, strong discipline and they are not inclined to adapt well to new people so they require a lot of socialization. They do not like commotion. They prefer a consistent, organized lifestyle. They can be snappy and they frequently snap without provocation. Some folks absolutely love and adore their bull terriers but they are devoted, patient, and excellent trainers. Reply

lel - 2011-12-04 i have a 9 month old ebt she been fantastic ive been very strict on her and have trained her to the best of my ability she has just had her first season and a few days ago i noticed her nipple area had started to look bigger theres no way she could be preggars as ive had her on a lead and kept her close during her season so just wanted to know is this the norm after every season she also has been humping my pillows lots help is this normal for a bitch ??????????? Click For Replies (2) Charlie Roche - 2011-12-06 Yep, it is pretty normal or common for this type of dog. Seems a little strange to me too but it happens. tykemyler - 2012-01-20 give her to me, she be sound. my little soldier here, tyke, he will look after her. he's white all over and has a boss head shape, she will love him and save you buying dog food, let me know. tyke. Reply

amber - 2011-11-02 I have a 10 month old bull terrier who eats everything and never stops. He jumps on everyone and just won't ever calm down. He also eats everything he can put in his mouth. I am thinking of obediance classes and neutering him. Which should I do first? Click For Replies (1) Charlie Roche - 2011-11-02 Neuter or obediance - I would neuter the pup first and they are good to go in a couple of days. So I would make an appointment for neuter and sign up for obedience classes right away. 10 months old is a pup and they are high activity dogs and will calm down but will probably be more like 18 months to 2 years before CALM. Obediance classes are great for this pup both training and socialization. The bull terrier is not any easy pup to crate train either so constant supervision is pretty much required. A trainer taught me to throw keys and yell 'NO' when my dog was doing something wrong. You don't throw the keys at the dog just at a chair or ground or anywhere close to the pup so there is a large noise and the yell 'NO'. It startles them and reinforces the 'NO'. By the time you get to the dog and the shoe the dog is eating - it is too late. So if you are sitting there and see poor behavior a big 'NO' and throw the keys. It worked great for me. Reply

Anonymous - 2010-11-19 I have a male english bull terrier, he is 9 months old, and has recently started showing some very worrying behavior problems, we have had him since he was 8 weeks, and he has been fine up until now, he bullies my daughter who is 8, and chases her and bites and nips her, and has started showing me signs of aggression, when I try to discipline him, he jumps up and bites me, and won't stop and has started barking and snapping, I love my dog to bits but this behavior is really starting to worry me, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. He dosen't behave like this for my husband but has no respect for me, I have wanted a bull terrier ever since I can remember, and don't know what to do for the best. Click For Replies (5) christine - 2010-11-25 I'm having the same problem with my 16 month old miniature bull terrier he has started showing aggression towards my eldest son he is a fantastic dog but like you I'm very concerned. Dozeydozer - 2010-12-02 A friend of mine has a deaf bull terrier who used to do exactly the same thing but to her son....he is trying to dominate you and your daughter...try a water spray and a firm "NO"..for some unknown reason all the bull terriers I have had contact with do not like this shock tactic...I have had a few in my time...my own and fosters ;) Kizzy - 2010-12-26 I have a bull terrier myself too. It's pretty common for a teenage dog to test how far he can go. He sees your husband as a 'pack leader' and if you want to nip this behavior in the bud, you and your daughter need to show him that you are his leaders too. Don't allow any type of dominant behavior, such as, nipping, jumping on you, walk out the door before you, sleep on top of you, etc. Try to be firm and consistent. You can try squirting bottle at him when you disagree with something. Or if it doesn't work, I use my two fingers as a dog mouth, give him a firm touch when he misbehaves (not to hurt him of course). The touch imitates another dog's bite when it does something inappropriate. After he accepts you as his pack leader, he will be a wonderful boy again. Emmy87 - 2011-01-26 Best advice you could get is to research Cesar Milan.... He is amazing! My family and I have learned so much from his program and he goes by the old age theory that while dogs have been domesticated, they still have a pack mentality... And it sounds like your BT has taken place above you and your daughter in your pack! Trying things like ensuring you and your daughter enter the house before the dog, making visitors speak directly to you before addressing the dog etc show that you have dominance and leadership. Also as hard as it is, staying calm when disciplining your dog... A raised voice is not necessary and simple commands are best. Body language is a huge part in gaining leadership over your dog. Eg.. If he puts his paws on you, remove his paw and gently yet firmly place your arm over his leg, this is a big sign of dominance. If he listens to your husband it is good to have him nearby while you discipline but also make sure you allow yourself and your daughter to discipline and give commands, not just your husband. That's just a few tips but I definitely recommend checking out Cesar! My family and I had an issue with a dog who showed the same signs you described, and I could get no control over him and became quite scared at times... Since watching Cesar and thinking in a pack mentality, I am not as scared and have quite easily through my actions and body language gained dominance over our dog and it is so wonderful to be able to enjoy him now! Dogs NEED discipline and leadership, it makes them feel safe and makes for a happier family all round. Hope this helps : ) Brittany - 2011-07-14 I just bought this book called the puppy primer off amazon. A BT breeder referred me to it. It talks about problems like that. It has really good advice! Reply

Barbara - 2009-05-07 Can English Bull Terriers swim? We live on the water and have a pool and our puppy bully seems afraid... Click For Replies (4) Anonymous - 2010-04-19 Not advisable...heard a story of a lady here in the UK who took her EBT swimming and the dog died.......a short coat + long swim = hypothermia, together with the tremendous muscle strain when swimming....not a good idea! sarah - 2010-11-15 I don't think they are natural swimmers, they tend to sink because they are so heavy. Although I'm told if you teach them from very young they can. Sarah Kennedy - 2011-09-06 LOL oh they can swim if they have to. My EBT, Ozzy is rather clumsy and has HAD to swim as he regularly falls into the canal on walks. He splashes lots and is not the most elegant, but he does keep his head above water until I pull him out. Then he forgets and wanders too close for a quick drink and... splash another swim. He has a paddling pool in the garden and wont go in it. So I think the EBT choice is NOT to swim unless forced. I'd like to see one who enjoyed it though. FRED - 2011-10-28 So nobody just chucked em in and found out? Mine swims fine, not his favorite activity due to lack of hair and body fat which create bouyancy. Working with his fear by having him sit in the river on a hot day but not having to swim helped him realize he could cool without drowning. Reply

nicola - 2011-07-28 I have a 20 month male english bull terrier. I have had him from 12 weeks old, he lives out the back in a well built kennel, but he chews everything, the kids toys, fence, door frame. You name it he chews it. He goes for walks. How do I stop him from chewing? He has the run of the garden. When I go out to work he howls and barks until I get back, anyone got any answers? Click For Replies (3) Charlie Roche - 2011-07-28 Puppies chew and they need to chew to first get rid of their puppy teeth and then to keep their teeth healthy. You want him to stop chewing your things so you have to provide him with his things. When he goes to chew one of your things, remove it say "NO" and give him one of his own things. A trick I was shown is to take some old keys and put them on a keyring. When you throw them they make a lot of nose. Do not throw them at the pup. However, if the pup goes or is sniffing or chewing something it is not supposed to throw the keys at something that will make noise (the chair closest to him or something - the floor) and yell "NO". This worked for me for many a pup. There is no point in punishing after the fact or yelling no after the fact - they have no idea what they did wrong. You need to catch him in the act when you are with him and tell him "NO" Outside - he think you're in the home. He wants by you. The trainer told me to put my pup in the smallest room in the home that I didn't use when I went to wrok. I put my 110 doberman in the guest bathroom and my doberman went right through the bathroom wall, into the kitchen and into the master bedroom and ate (shook all the feather pillows up to the vaulted ceilings. I will not pass on that advice. Instead I will suggest a crate - large enough for your pup to move in with a t-shirt that has your scent on it. Can someone come during the day and let the pup out. Crate - next to a doggy door scenario has also worked for me. Laundry room with a dogggy door. He is going to keep on barking outside - as he thinks you are home and just not bothering. Doggy doors work well with small pen/crate safe enclosuresa in the home and fenced in area outside. Sarah Kennedy - 2011-09-06 Deal with one issue at a time. He's struggling to know where he fits or he's trying to dominate you. Barking: he's frustrated and wanting attention. From anyone. Bad or good attention, doesn't matter, just attention. Have you tried an anti bark collar? Chewing: He doesnt know which things are his to chew or he's doing it to get your attention again. The key trick mentioned by previous review is great. As are air cans, they work in the same way, they make a harmless noise which breaks dogs attention, at which point you redirect his attention to something you want him to do/chew. Also have your tried repellant on things like door frames, fence? Bitter apple spray, strong english mustard etc. again harmless but nasty tasting. You need to teach him which are his things. My EBT, Ozzy, is 12 months and he went through a major phase of shoe killing, including a pair of Jimmy Choos!!!! I took a pile of shoes and everytime he went near them or tried to pick one up I used keys, verbal command and/or air spray. Took a few days and a good few hours of input but he now leaves all shoes alone. Hard work but so so worth the effort as he's happier as he knows what's his. Let us know how you're doing. Sarah and Ozzy Julianne - 2011-10-19 The reason for the chewing is precisely this bull terriers thrive on human contact. They are not suitable to be kept outside at all, they need to be near you for their emotional health and if not will be destructive and will generally find something to take their stress out on. A bull terrier is not for someone who wants to kennel them outside ................... they would rather live in your lap. Reply

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